February 9, 2009
At top, the cake served; at bottom, drummers fill BMCC's cafeteria with West African beats.
BMCC's cafeteria on Wednesday, Feb. 4, briefly turned into a tribal rhythm dance party when a vivacious, diverse crowd and live West African music combined to welcome African Heritage and Black History Month. The annual event carried particular meaning this year, as Feb. 4 was Rosa Parks' birthdate in 1913.
Speakers and attendees remembered and celebrated African and Black culture, and acknowledged icons like Parks, who in 1955 refused to obey a bus driver's order that she give her seat to a white passenger. A proclamation signed by the New York City Council officially declared the start of the month-long celebration at BMCC.
"BMCC," the proclamation read, "joins all Americans in celebrating our African heritage and calling attention to the extraordinary contributions African Americans have made to our nation."
Marking History, Inspiring More
Marva Craig, Vice President for Student Affairs, remarked on the hardships African Americans and Blacks faced, and how their devotion led to the current day history being made. The U.S. now has its first Black president, Barack Obama, its first Black Republican National Committee chairman, Michael Steele, and its first Black U.S. attorney general, Eric Holder.
"Two Black men are heading the two most powerful political parties in the world, and another is leader of the Justice Department: imagine that!" she said to a round of cheers.
BMCC President Antonio Pérez shared similar thoughts, reminding everyone that they ought to "take time to reflect on the leadership displayed by some very heroic people."
"To as an institution, and as individuals," said Pérez, "what we can achieve at this College, in this country, is thanks to those who came before us. Let us not forget those whose leadership has allowed us to succeed."
Lastly, Deputy Mayor for Education and Community Development Dennis Walcott reflected on history and used it to look forward with words of inspiration.
"You always have to take a step back to reflect upon those who sacrificed for you," he said, "but keep in mind that you will become the history makers in the future. Keep strong, because you are destined for greatness."
Festive Flavor
The sounds of West African drums and music were led by Abdou Mbacke of Senegal on keyboard and vocals. Mbacke, two Senegal-born drummers and a Trinidad-born dancer performed outside of Richard Harris Terrace, where students formed a circle and nearly a dozen began to join in dancing to the tribal beats. In a diverse crowd, unifying chants like "We are one," filled the room.
The College handed out free posters that, in the shape of an American flag, read between the lines "Sojourner's Truth/Tubman's Mission/Douglass' Resolve/Malcolm's Valor, Chisolm's Zeal/Rosa's Courage, Martin's Dream/President Obama's Promise." Students took them one after another.
To top it off, the College served cake displaying the African Heritage Month poster to everyone in attendance.
The event was organized by the BMCC African Heritage Month Committee, co-chaired by Angela Sales, director of community and government relations, and Isabel Cummings, assistant director of student activities.
For a full list of African Heritage and Black History Month events, click here.
